Another hot day for rugby at The Slade and a game that needed every ounce of TJ effort to secure the win in an exciting game that got a little too close for comfort in the end.
Guernsey's arrival was delayed, so the kick off was pushed back to 3pm, and early pressure from the visitors gave them a three point lead after opting for a pot at goal rather than the corner.
TJs were unphased and set about their work at pace with Tom Kendrick moving to scrum half zipping the ball away and Kwaby Koomson debuting in the back row adding some early grunt.
Howard Packman opened the TJ account after some good approach work by the forwards before the backs took over to send Packman over with Sam Evans converting. A few minutes later more of the same saw Will Colderick crashing over on the right but he couldn't cling on in the act of scoring and the ball flew from his grasp.
TJs weren't to be denied though as the backs found a hole through Shadyn Osgood. Jack Lucas followed him through and James Newey finished it off with Evans missing the conversion. 12-3 to TJs.
On the half hour mark TJs were again putting the Guernsey defence under intense pressure and speedy phase play saw Kendrick stretch for the line but he couldn't quite get there. The ball was recycled quickly and Jack Whitmarsh pounced to claim his first ever TJ try after 100+ appearances. Evans converting.
The last hurrah of the half came from TJs as Kwaby Koomson, who had a great debut both in attack and defence from the back row, as he crashed over from close range under the sticks. Evans converted and TJs hit half time 26-3 up and the try bonus point bagged.
More of the same was hoped for in the second half as TJs speed of thought and much better accuracy of pass was paying off but the hard ground and heat were testing both squads as injuries appeared.
Guernsey were not going to go quietly though and they started the second half well securing tries in the 44th and 54th minute but were unable to convert despite enjoying the breeze at their backs.
TJs weren't finding the holes for a while but Ryan Munnelly, on as a replacement, finished off a catch and drive after 58 minutes to settle the nerves a little as TJs edged to a 31-13 lead. But Guernsey came again and TJs slipped off a few tackles to allow them two more tries on 62 and 65 minutes with the last one being converted.
At 31-25 the nerves were jangling again for TJs but the players gathered themselves again, marshalled by Matt Walsh on at scrum half and making his season debut. The TJ backs still had some life in them with the ball and a foray down the left saw Shadyn Osgood sprung free and he out-stepped the defence to go over on the left to claim the man of the match. No conversion but a 36-25 win was secured .
So two wins from three for TJs and a climb to sixth in the N2E table. TJs head to Old Albanians next Saturday for a 3pm KO